Assistant Chief Engineer

About the role

This is an exciting moment to join a growing Engineering team supporting the museum’s three sites. The Assistant Chief Engineer supports the Chief Engineer and is responsible for the maintenance, repair, and operation of mechanical, electrical, and control systems across all sites. The role is hands‑on, performing preventative maintenance, issue diagnostics, equipment repair, and ensuring compliance with safety codes to keep museum facilities fully functional. The position is full‑time, exempt, reports to the Chief Engineer, and is based at the Seattle Art Museum – Downtown, with occasional work at Volunteer Park and Olympic Sculpture Park.

About SAM

As SAM heads into its second century, it is reimagining the future of museums as a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership. The organization seeks innovative partnerships and community engagement while keeping art and community at the center, offering employees the chance to be part of a vibrant, creative community.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and ensure proper operation and general maintenance of all mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems.
• Assist with supervision of the Facilities Engineering team.
• Support the engineering team in performing duties as needed.
• Determine work procedures and expedite workflow.
• Assign duties and examine completed work for quality and alignment with team standards.
• Ensure all work conforms to policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Standardize procedures to improve team efficiency.
• Maintain the engineering library and infrastructure records.
• Assure as‑built records of projects and document necessary changes for operation and maintenance programs.
• Maintain orderliness and cleanliness in all engineering spaces.
• Procure and ensure ample stock of spare parts and tools for the team.
• Maintain procedures manual for daily operations.
• Compile and maintain service logs.
• Test and ensure functionality of building fire‑life systems.

Required qualifications

• AA, OE, refrigerant, electrical, or other relevant certifications.
• Journey‑level HVAC mechanic experience.
• Five years of experience operating essential buildings or critical environments.
• Professional experience overseeing facilities, maintenance, and engineering functions in a large institution (museum, educational or cultural institution, hospital, hospitality, nonprofit, or customer‑service‑focused organization).
• Working knowledge of direct digital control HVAC systems, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical (MPE) safety procedures.
• Familiarity with mechanical and electrical system optimization programs and servicing.
• Understanding of basic building systems such as mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and paint.
• Ability to share on‑call duties and respond to emergencies.
• Working knowledge of CMMS asset management programs.
• Understanding of regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency in, or willingness to train in, First Aid, AED, and CPR.
• Ability to write clear maintenance task procedures.
• Sound judgment and common sense in handling emergencies.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents, contracts, technical procedures, and regulations.
• Ability to operate personnel and scissor lifts.
• Track record of exercising sound, timely judgment.
• Supervisory skills; ability to motivate teams and manage several projects simultaneously.
• Exceptional time management, problem‑solving, and analytical skills.
• Highly organized, self‑initiated, and able to work autonomously.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Asana, Slack, and internet‑based research.
• Ability to pass and maintain security clearance.

Preferred qualifications

• BA, ME, or EE degree.
• Journey‑level experience in HVAC, plumbing, and/or electrical systems.
• Expertise in NFPA and fire‑code rules and regulations.
• Boiler license.
• Experience working in a museum setting.

Work conditions

Work areas are primarily inside, climate‑controlled with moderate background noise. Mechanical rooms have moderately severe noise requiring ear protection. Workspaces may include outdoor areas and occasional wet conditions. The position involves hazardous chemicals, cleaning agents, electrical, steam, and rotating parts; PPE will be provided. Approximately 10% of time is spent stationary at a desk; the remaining 90% is spent moving around the work area. Must be able to transport up to 50 lb of equipment (up to 75 lb with assistance), work safely at heights, use ladders, scaffolding, and operate personnel and scissor lifts.

Benefits

• Fully employer‑paid HMP medical plan or employee‑contribution PPO plan.
• Dental, vision, and basic life insurance/LTD/AD&D.
• Flexible Spending Account and Short‑Term Disability.
• Supplemental dental insurance.
• Participation in SAM’s 403(b) retirement plan with a discretionary 3% employer contribution after 1 year/1,000 hours and an employer match program.
• Paid time off for vacation, PSST, bereavement leave, and jury duty.
• 11 scheduled holidays plus one paid floating holiday.
• Subsidized unlimited Orca transit card.
• On‑site fitness facility and Employee Assistance Program.
• Patron‑level SAM membership, Tier III membership to the American Alliance of Museums, and discounts to museum shop and programming.

Pay

$98,468 – $120,304 per year, with a target hiring range of $109,386.

Accommodation

The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities to perform essential functions. Candidates needing accommodation during the application or interview process should contact the provided email address.